Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Adventure is within the soul, it is innate to the species, it is peculiar to the individual, and almost always the first step that leads to a newfound sense of independence being framed and saluted by others along the way; it might stir the soul, it could be one that is drips with anxiety, but in due course it will be remembered as a tender moment between mind and matter.
Leaving Lurgangreen, departing anywhere that has been comfortable, that has offered love and security, in return for the unknown, is always going to be one that borders on trepidation, but which adds to the fire, the temptation that adventure brings is palpable, it is to be touched, it is electric.
For Sarah Markey, Leaving Lurgangreen is the call of the wild, the spirit of a debut release that doesn’t jump at the sparks of the electric, it forcibly, and resolutely, puts the plug in the socket and turns on every light available.
The accompaniment of strong desires and great passions come into play with the inclusion of tremendous musicians such as Marty Barry, Charlie Stewart, Jack McRobbie, Conor Markey, Hayley Keenan, Calum Stewart, Eamonn Nugent, Rubén Bada, and Tomas Callister; in this large ensemble, the creation of independence is endorsed, it is recommended as a memory of what drove the independent spirit, as well as taking aural photographs for future endeavours to be guided by.
Tracks such as The Chicken’s Gone To Scotland, The Star Of Sweet Dundalk, The Spark Among The Heather, Late Night In Glasgow, Off She Jumped, and the emotional response and beauty to be found within the album’s title track, Leaving Lurgangreen spread the word of Sarah Markey’s prowess, her creative stance on subjects such as heritage, immigration, and friendship, and with the blending of traditional Scots/Irish style, mixed seamlessly with a Spanish experience which is hauntingly beautiful and which leaves a delicious chill on the skin, Leaving Lurgangreen is an album of forceful encounters with people you have yet to meet but already admire.
A wonderful debut by a woman of determined nature, a flautist, a musician to whom the reflection of her soul is cast in the mirror of aural adventure with a particular, and rare image of thinking made real.
Sarah Markey releases Leaving Lurgangreen on Friday 6th May.
Ian D. Hall